Fourth Day of School September 2nd

Yay!  It's Friday. I have enjoyed our first week together.  Now that most of the "business" is out of the way, we can move on to bigger, better, more exciting things!

Goals: Write open ended questions and become acquainted with a new classmate.  Begin to become familiar with the chunk paragraph format.

1) Write interview questions.  You will write a total of fifteen questions. You must ask WHY at the end of each question.  This will make it possible to have a conversation. Skip lines to leave room for your partner's response.

• five questions about favorite things

Example:  What is your favorite subject and why?  What is your favorite movie and why?

• five questions about least favorite things/dislikes  

Example:  What is your biggest phobia and why?  

• five free questions

Example: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

2) Interview your assigned partner-take notes.  We will finish on Monday. If you were absent, you will have to write about yourself.



To Do

Enjoy your weekend!
Bring the Qs and As from  your interview.  We will work on our two chunk paragraphs on Tuesday. :)

Third Day of School September 1st

Welcome to day three!  Thanks for your patience the first few days.  You have been wonderful!

Goals: Finish assessing reading levels.  Familiarize students with classroom policies and procedures.
Get to know one another

Agenda:

1) Finish SRI test.  I will review a chart with you to show you where you fall.

2) Review classroom policies and procedures.  Give students a chance to ask questions.

3) Begin writing interview questions.  You will write a total of fifteen questions. You must ask WHY at the end of each question.  This will make it possible to have a conversation. We will finish interview questions tomorrow.

• five questions about favorite things

Example:  What is your favorite subject and why?  What is your favorite movie and why?

• five questions about least favorite things/dislikes  

Example:  What is your biggest phobia and why?  

• five free questions

Example: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

TO DO:

Get parents to sign digital form to the right of this blog.

Bring an email address.

We will finish the interview classes TOMORROW. 

Second day of School

You survived your first day of middle school! It actually wasn't bad at all, was it?  Remember, the teachers and staff are here for you if you need anything.  Don't be afraid to ask.

Goals for Today:  Assess each student's reading level by having them take the SRI test.  This test will help make sure you are in the right English class and whether or not you need any additional reading support.  We will also take the test at the end of the year; I feel confident you will see growth.

Check out this chart to see where you fall:

LEXILE CHART I will fix this if it isn't linking properly

Agenda:

1) Seating Reminders
2) SRI Test/Reading Assessment
3) Classroom Procedures/Syllabus

TO DO:
Please have your parents read over the English 7H and 7CP class information on the right hand side of this blog. Make sure you read it too!  Then have one of your parents sign the Parent Signature Form also located on the right side of this blog post. This should be completed by  Tuesday AT THE LATEST.

Bring an email address (preferably your own).  We will use it to sign up for an account that will allow you to submit almost all of your assignments electronically.

First Day of School

It is your first day of middle school! I am so excited to spend the
 year with you!
 

Each day that our class meets, I will post a blog.  It will include the goals for the day, the agenda, links to notes, presentations and stories, and reminders of any upcoming assignments.  It is a great resource, so please use it!

GOAL: Get acquainted with teacher and classmates.  Familiarize students with classroom and school expectations and procedures.

AGENDA:

1) Assigned Seats
2) Make name cards and chat with your table group
3) Letter to Self (you will get it back at the end of the year)

Things to consider including in your letter:

• thoughts about middle school (hopes and fears)
• goals for the year
• favorite songs, shows, movies, games
• best friends
• anything else

4) Slideshow about Diegueno ( I will go through it quickly)


Reminders:  

Always bring your agenda and a book to read.
You will need a spiral notebook for my class.
Make sure to bring your pink paper from Cougar Camp OR your user name/password for computer login.  You will need it tomorrow.

About Me

I have been teaching in the district since 1991 and started my career at San Dieguito High school.  Although I love high school students, I have a special place in my heart for middle schoolers, so here I am!  I have taught seventh-grade and eighth-grade English (college prep and honors), drama, EL, Read 180, study skills, and more! Teaching is not only my job, it is my passion.  I love preparing my students for the future, as well as looking for ways to make my classroom a positive, engaging experience for them. 

When I am not at school, I enjoy working out, going on hikes, relaxing at the beach, pinning on Pinterest, and most of all, spending time with my family.  Of course, I love reading (after all, I am an English teacher). My favorite books are A Fine Balance, The Nightingale, A Man Called Ove, Great Expectations, and To Kill a Mockingbird. I have three boys-one just started

college at San Diego State, a sophomore, and an eighth-grader. I also have a Labrador retriever named Bella.  And I can't forget my husband of over 18 years-Doug.  We live in San Marcos where my boys are involved in various sports. 

Working at Diegueno is the best!  I adore our students and staff!